Mensik survives five-set firefight with British wildcard Samuel

Czech talent Jakub Mensik narrowly avoided an early Wimbledon exit, surviving a five-set epic against British wildcard Toby Samuel on Tuesday. The 15th seed, who reached the French Open semi-finals earlier this year, appeared to be on the brink of defeat but ultimately prevailed 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7) after a grueling three-hour battle.

“

It was a tough one, Toby played some unbelievable tennis that he also showed in Eastbourne last week and he didn't give me any free points.

Mensik, 20, admitted he was pushed to his limits by Samuel's aggressive play. "It was a tough one, Toby played some unbelievable tennis that he also showed in Eastbourne last week and he didn't give me any free points," a visibly weary Mensik said after the match. "I'm just super happy that I kept it on my side."

The match was a rollercoaster of momentum. Samuel, ranked 123rd, took the opening set, but Mensik responded by dominating the next two with impressive tennis. Samuel fought back to force a deciding fifth set, where he gained an early advantage, leading 3-1. Mensik, battling apparent cramps and arm discomfort, rallied to lead 5-3 and had a chance to serve for the match.

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I'm just super happy that I kept it on my side. Every story has its own journey and happy that I'm in the second round.

However, he faltered, and the set went to a tense 10-point tiebreak. Mensik secured a crucial mini-break and reached three match points, converting on the second attempt with a powerful serve. Samuel's defeat marked the exit of another British player, with 15 of the 19 local competitors now eliminated from the first round.

“

I was two sets to one ahead and then out of nowhere it's a fifth set. Then serving for the match at 5-3 and he came back with a couple of lucky shots. It's scary how in one second it can be a game-changer.